Michell Leidholt was our speaker for this meeting. Her topic was “Tips to Navigate Gender Related
Issues.”
Gender used to begin at birth. Now gender is a spectrum not an “either” “or.”
Cisgender – Identify at birth
Transgender – Different that at birth
What do the letters LGBTQIA2s+ stand for:
L – Lesbian
G – Gay
B – Bisexual
T – Transsexual
Q – Queer
I – Intersex
A – Asexual
2s – 2 Spirits
+ - Open for all the rest
What is Gender Identity? This is when the individual figures out who they are. Gender expression is
associated with appearance. Gender explorers are “I don’t know what I am, but I am not straight”. Pan
sexual is bisexual. Demisexual is now knowing if the relationship they want is sexual but is a close
relationship. Nonbinary is not either gender. Gender fluid is where you change over time either one or
the other or both. Gender queer does not subscribe to conventional gender distinctions. Genderless is
lacking qualities associated with either.
1.6% of our youth are trans or nonbinary
45% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered suicide
131 – 34 states have introduced or considered 131 anti-trans bills
What can we do:
1. Stop making gendered jokes
2. Ask questions, learn and read
3. June is Pride Month – celebrate
4. Be an “Upstander” not a “Bystander”